Relationships Talk

As far as aspirational couples go, Michelle and Barack Obama stand out among the rest. A duo that seem to be equals, they still look as if they laugh a lot and support each other, 25 years into their marriage.

With that in mind, the former US President is well placed to dish out relationship advice. Upon finding out that his former communications director, Dan Pfeiffer, was about to move in with his partner, he offered some insights on how to decide whether to marry someone or not.

Pfeiffer shared the story in his new book, Yes We (Still) Can.

“Here’s the advice I give everyone about marriage—is she someone you find interesting?” he writes of Obama’s advice. “You will spend more time with this person than anyone else for the rest of your life, and there is nothing more important than always wanting to hear what she has to say about things.

“Does she make you laugh? And I don’t know if you want kids, but if you do, do you think she will be a good mum? Life is long. These are the things that really matter over the long-term.”

When Pfeiffer responded that his girlfriend was “incredibly interesting, funnier than I am and will be an incredible mum”, Obama said; “Sounds like she’s the one. Lucky you.”

Obama has not been shy when it comes to extolling the virtues of his wife. He told Marie Claire in 2008 that she has “the best sense of humour of anyone you’ll ever meet” and described her as his “rock” to Oprah.

“There’s no doubt I’m a better man having spent time with Michelle,” Obama told Vogue in 2013. “I would never say that Michelle’s a better woman, but I will say she’s a little more patient.”